Glutathione. What Is All the Craze About?

Written By: Dr. Meredith Trump 

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant which is primarily used within the liver but found at high concentrations in most cells of the body. Production of glutathione requires significant energy usage due to the formation of the compound from three different peptides (cystine, glycine and glutamic acid). The fact that the body uses lots of energy for formation, yet there are high levels required highlights the importance of glutathione throughout the body system. Glutathione exists within cells in two different forms: reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG). The ratio of these two forms ultimately determine the health of our cells. It is ideal to have a higher amount of GSH as this is the form that protects cells from oxidative stress.

Why Is It Important?

The importance of glutathione cannot be overstated in terms of the protection that it provides cells. Glutathione directly support cells by binding up free radicals which are a byproduct of biochemical reactions that ultimately lead to cellular damage if not reduced. Additionally, glutathione can provide protection against many of the direct causes of free radical production such as environmental or heavy metal exposures. These 2 aspects of glutathione allow for detoxification from exposure to both internal oxidative stress but also external stressors from everyday or lifestyle exposures. Research has shown at least 4 different mechanisms by which glutathione acts to provide detoxification.

In general, the body utilizes 3 main pathways for detoxification, Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. Glutathione plays in integral part on both Phase II and III detoxification. Phase II detoxification utilizes glutathione by conjugating or binding it to toxins. Once bound, the body is able to eliminate these toxins successfully via Phase III detoxification. In order to be able to properly bind and eliminate toxins, there needs to be sufficient levels of glutathione present.

In addition to providing protection from free radicals, glutathione is also important in the utilization and reuse of other nutrients. In order for the body to re-use both vitamin C and vitamin E, glutathione is required in the biochemical reaction. If levels are low, the recycling of these nutrients is not possible. Both vitamin C and vitamin E are used extensively for other functions of the body including proper bone formation, immune function, collagen and blood vessel integrity and as additional antioxidants which further support cellular health.

Can You Have Low Levels of Glutathione?

Low levels of glutathione have been shown in patients who either have high levels of

environmental exposures or have lifestyle habits which result in elevated utilization of glutathione. This may include working in an industry that has heavy pollution/environmental exposures (heavy metals or mold) or through lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol intake or smoking. 

These potential exposures utilize available glutathione in order to provide cellular protection eventually depleting available glutathione. This ongoing utilization of glutathione through repeat exposure, potentially leads to low baseline levels which have been implicated in the aging process, longevity, cancer risk, cardiovascular disease and numerous neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s Disease.

Should You Supplement?

When considering supplementation, first one needs to consider the body burden that may be present which would lead to high levels of utilization of glutathione. If there are lifestyle or environmental exposures, it would be best to reduce toxic load if possible in order to reduce the need for glutathione use. These changes may include reducing alcohol intake, reducing or stopping smoking, reducing environmental or workplace exposures and increasing personal protective equipment if exposed through work or hobbies. 

In addition to reducing exposures which results in reduced oxidative stress, incorporating other antioxidants can take the strain off of the glutathione system, therefore preserving baseline levels. Antioxidants are prevalent in a well rounded and diverse healthy diet so looking for ways to improve or enhance dietary sources would be recommended.

It is also possible to supplement with the precursors to glutathione so that the body is able to form more and therefore increase cellular levels. Supplementing with NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) is an option as cysteine is one of the 3 components to glutathione formation. Some individuals may be sensitive to NAC as it can increase sulfur production which can result in digestive upset. Dietarily, whey protein is high in cysteine, so if tolerated can be another form of precursor supplementation.

It is important to know that basic oral glutathione is not well absorbed and not readily available for cellular utilization. Glutathione is easily damaged or destroyed by stomach acid preventing absorption. Therefore, supplemental glutathione needs to be delivered in specific forms in order for it to be available for use. Liposomal glutathione is an oral form of delivery that prevents the destruction of glutathione but also increases the absorption rate because it is bound to a lipid structure. Although the researched is mixed, there are some positive findings regarding oral supplementation with liposomal forms and increased cellular glutathione levels. Other forms of glutathione that have better absorption include topical, intranasal or intravenous. These forms bypass the need for oral/digestive absorption and enter directly into the blood stream for cellular uptake.

At Sirona Integrative Health we offer intravenous (IV) glutathione which research shows results in a high level of cellular uptake and utilization to support reduction in oxidative stress and increase in detoxification pathways. We recommend glutathione as an “add on” to our other IV formulas as it is best to receive IV glutathione in conjunction with other cofactors so that the utilization of the administered glutathione can be optimized. 

If you are interested in IV therapy or other naturopathic supportive options 

we offer a FREE 15-minute consultation!

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Meredith Trump to learn more now. If you know someone who might benefit from reading this post please share it. If you are reading this and are not residing in Washington or Oregon, search for a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor near you to get started on your journey!

Any information relayed in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat. 

References:

• Pizzorno J. Glutathione!. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8-12.
• Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A, et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.132